All articles tagged with #us iraq relations
Iranian-backed Iraqi political parties' influence after the November 11 elections hinges on their unity, with potential to shape the next government and counter US interests, but internal divisions and opposition from Prime Minister Sudani could challenge their dominance.
The Biden administration has warned Iraq that it could face Israeli retaliation if it allows Iran to launch attacks on Israel from its territory. This warning comes amid intelligence reports suggesting Iran is planning a significant attack against Israel from Iraqi soil, in response to an Israeli strike in Iran. U.S. officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have urged Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to prevent such attacks and control Shia militias targeting U.S. and Israeli interests. The Iraqi government is reportedly struggling to restrain pro-Iranian factions within its borders.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced plans to initiate dialogue with the United States regarding the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq, following a U.S. airstrike that killed an Iraqi militia leader in Baghdad. Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq's sovereignty and the need to end the international coalition's presence as the original justifications for their stay have ceased. The strike targeted Mushtaq Taleb al-Saidi, a leader of the Iranian-backed Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, which is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces. The Pentagon stated the strike was a defensive action and expressed the U.S.'s desire to maintain a positive relationship with Iraq.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq, meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and discussing the threat posed by Iranian-backed militias. Blinken emphasized that attacks against US personnel are unacceptable and reiterated the US commitment to protecting its personnel and military facilities. They also discussed preventing the conflict in Gaza from spreading further in the region. Blinken's visit to Iraq is part of his broader trip to the Middle East, which includes stops in Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Cyprus, and Turkey.